Description

As you enter the Upper Narrows from the west on CO Highway 14, this west-facing slab comes prominently into view. Its low-angle and well-featured nature allows one to climb almost anywhere on its face. Unlike some of the other rock in the Poudre Canyon, the cracks tend to take better gear although there are still some run-out sections depending on the section of wall. Nothing here would be considered classic - there is no East Slab of the Dome or Calypso - yet it has enough value for the beginning trad leader to potentially reward their time. At a minimum, you are climbing in a beautiful canyon without the approach of Greyrock, and are almost guaranteed to be by yourself. It gets early morning shade in the summer until about 10:30, and late afternoon sun in the winter. In the summer, watch for rattlesnakes in portions of the approach gully.

The history of this rock is unclear. I have listed three representative and independent lines that cover much of the face. I will update any information if corrected.

Getting There

Take the usual Podure Canyon approach by heading west on CO Highway 14 off of US 287. Mile marker 103 indicates the start of the Upper Narrows. Wind your way through this wonderful section, and just as the canyon begins to open again there will be a sign for a Slow Vehicle Pullout on the right. Pull in at this pullout and make a U-turn heading back down the canyon. Look for a very obvious large pullout on the right, and park. The crag photo was taken from this location. Walk about 100 yards (east) down the highway and hike up an obvious gully below the wall. The total approach time from the car is about 10-15 minutes. It is also possible to park in a tiny pullout just west of the bottom of this gully, but the way the truckers bomb up and down this section of highway, that may not be the best idea for your car.

Descend by walking a bit up and north (or left as you face the rock) to the obvious gully, shown as a dashed line on the crag photo.

P1. Wander up low 5th class rock, passing possible great placements. At the base of the main slab, angle slightly up and left to belay at the base of an obvious crack at the right end of the large overlap (#2 Camalot, yellow Alien and middle stopper for belay). P2. Climb up the obvious crack with decent but not excellent pro aiming for the small tree above the overhang (bring a 2nd #2 Camalot and possibly some larger cams). Place gear just before the roof (stoppers, tiny Aliens) and ...[more]Browse More Classics in CO